GIFT  OF 


o^orio^nonnors^ 


History  Plays 

for  the 


GRAMMAR  GRADES 


MARY  ELLA  LYNG 


dgusuguiuuuiiuauUiUiu^ 


KM/KCA 

ft     Q 


HISTORY  PLAYS 

for 

THE  GRAMMAR  GRADES 


Copyrighted,  1922,  Mary  Ella  Lyng 


To 
MISS  CORA  GALLAGHER 

Principal  of 
McKiNLEY  SCHOOL 

In  appreciation  of  a  pleasant  association 
and  many  kindnesses. 


INTRODUCTION 

THE  play  idea  will  always  appeal  to  the  minds  of  children.  History,  so 
often  thought  to  be  a  dry  subject,  is  made  a  live  wide  awake  game  when  the 

pupils  live  the  parts.  The  great  men  and  women  of  history  are  made  real 
to  them. 

This  method  has  been  worked  out  by  the  pupils  in  the  fifth  grade  in  the 
McKinley  School  in  San  Francisco  and  found  to  be  most  successful. 

The  chief  characters  in  Mace's  Beginners  History,  the  California  State 
Text,  have  been  dramatized.  The  children  read  the  story  and  study  by  outline. 
Then  with  the  help  of  the  teacher  the  important  events  are  made  into  a  play. 

Much  outside  reading  is  encouraged.  This  awakens  an  interest  in  good 
reading  and  an  ability  to  do  independent  studying. 

The  lives  of  great  men  and  women  represent  great  things.  Studying  about 
these  people  is  an  inspiration  to  the  children  for  the  bigger  and  nobler  things  of 
life. 

"Lives  of  great  men,  all  remind  us 
We  can  make  our  lives  sublime, 
And  departing  leave  behind  us — 
Footprints  on  the  sands  of  time." 

— Longfellow. 

MARY  ELLA  LYNG 


497975 


CHRISTOPHER   COLUMBUS 

INTRODUCTION: 

Christopher  Columbus  was  born  in  Genoa,  Italy,  more  than  four  hundred 
and  fifty  years  ago.  Genoa  was  a  rich  town  on  the  Mediterranean  Sea.  She 
had  trading  routes  to  India,  China  and  Japan. 

Columbus  was  fond  of  stories  of  the  sea  and  liked  the  study  of  geography. 
He  was  anxious  to  go  to  sea  and  while  a  boy  made  his  first  voyage.  When  he 
grew  up  to  be  a  man,  he  went  to  Lisbon  the  capital  of  Portugal.  The  bold 
deeds  of  Henry  of  Portugal  drew  many  seamen  to  this  city. 

Lisbon  was  full  of  learned  men  and  sailors  longing  to  go  on  long  voyages. 
These  sailors  had  tried  to  find  a  shorter  way  to  India  but  without  success. 

Columbus  thought  this  could  be  done  by  going  directly  west.  He  thought 
the  world  round  although  most  people  at  that  time  thought  it  flat.  After 
many  trials  he  laid  his  plans  before  the  Court  of  the  King  of  Spain. 

The  first  act  will  be  Columbus  at  the  Court  of  Spain. 

ACT  I 

King  and  Queen  on  throne — courtiers  around. 
Columbus  enters  and  bows  before  king  and  queen. 

Q.  ISABELLA:  You  have  come  to  us  to  talk  about  a  shorter  way  to  India? 

COLUMBUS:  Yes,  your  Majesty.  According  to  this  map  and  the  proof  I  have 
gathered,  I  believe  India  to  be  directly  west.  I  have  gone  on  long  voyages 
and  have  talked  to  many  seamen  about  the  signs  of  land  to  the  westward.  I 
believe  the  world  to  be  round  and  if  your  Majesty  could  aid  me  I  know  I 
could  find  this  shorter  route. 

QUEEN:  We  would  be  glad  indeed  to  aid  you,  but  at  the  present  time  Spain  has 
little  money.  The  war  has  taken  so  much. 

WISE  MAN  OF  SPAIN:  Your  Majesty,  this  man  thinks  the  world  round.  That  is 
foolish.  If  you  use  your  eyes  you  can  see  it  is  flat.  To  sail  westward  in  the 
hope  of  getting  to  India  is  impossible  and  ridiculous. 

WISE' MAN:  Your  Majesty,  I  think  this  man  right.  He  says  the  world  is  round 
and  I  think  if  we  study  carefully,  we  will  find  it  is  so.  If  it  is  possible  we 
should  give  him  a  chance. 

End  of  Act  I. 

ACT  II. 
INTRODUCTION: 

Columbus  receiving  little  encouragement  and  after  several  years  of  waiting, 
set  out  to  try  his  fortune  in  France.  He  stopped  at  a  convent  to  beg  for  some 
bread.  The  Prior  became  interested  in  his  plan  and  went  to  the  Court  of 
Spain,  and  begged  the  Queen  not  to  allow  Columbus  to  go  to  France  but  to 
help  him  in  his  plans. 

The  next  act  will  be  Columbus  talking  to  Queen. 

Page    Five 


QUEEN:  Columbus,  I  will  pledge  my  jewels  in  order  to  raise  the  money  for  a  fleet. 
I  will  fit  out  an  expedition  and  make  you  Governor  over  the  land  you  discover. 

COLUMBUS:  Thank  you,  your  Majesty.  The  lands  discovered  will  be  taken  up 
in  the  name  of  the  King  of  Spain. 

QUEEN:  Will  you  take  a  vow  to  use  the  riches  you  obtain  to  help  drive  out  the 
Turks  from  the  Holy  City  of  Jerusalem? 

COLUMBUS:  I  will  take  that  vow. 

(Columbus  takes  vow). 
End  of  Act  II. 

The  voyage  across  the  ocean  was  a  long  and  tiresome  one.  The  sailors 
became  discouraged  and  wanted  to  return  to  Spain.  Columbus  kept  on  and 
finally  was  rewarded.  The  next  act  will  be  the  discovery  of  land. 

ACT  III. 

Columbus  talking  to  sailors: 

COLUMBUS:  I  rejoice  my  friends  that  you  have  had  the  grace  to  chant  the  vesper 
hymn  in  so  devout  a  spirit  at  a  moment  when  there  is  so  much  reason  to  be 
grateful  to  God  for  His  goodness  to  us.  What  cheering  signs  have  encouraged 
us  to  persevere.  The  birds  in  the  air,  the  unusual  fishes  in  the  sea  and  the 
plants  seldom  met  far  from  rocks  where  they  grow.  I  deem  it  probable  that 
we  reach  the  land  this  very  night.  I  call  on  you  all  to  be  watchful. 

(Columbus  and  Luis  walk  apart  from  the  other  sailors.  Columbus  a  little 
in  advance,  stops,  calls  Luis.) 

COLUMBUS:  Luis!  Look  in  that  direction,  seest  thou  aught  uncommon? 

Luis:  I  saw  a  light,  Senor. 

COLUMBUS:  Thine  eyes  did  not  deceive  thee. 

Luis:  What  think  you,  Don  Christopher? 

COLUMBUS:  Land!     Bid  Rodrigo  Sanchez  of  Segovia  to  come  hither. 

(Rodrigo  Sanchez  comes.     All  look  for  light). 
COLUMBUS:  This  is  land.    We  will  behold  it  soon. 

(Sailors  come  up  and  look.     All  exclaim,  Land!  Land!) 
COLUMBUS:  See  the  land,  Luis? 
Luis:  Yes. 

COLUMBUS:  Behold  the  Indies!     Praise  be  to  God! 

End  of  Columbus  Act. 


Page  Six 


JOHN   SMITH   and  POCAHONTAS 

INTRODUCTION: 

John  Smith  was  the  savior  of  Virginia.  He  was  an  officer  in  the  new  colony 
sent  out  to  Jamestown.  Captain  Newport  one  of  Raleigh's  old  sea  captains 
brought  a  colony  of  one  hundred  settlers  to  America. 

The  first  act  will  be  Captain  Newport  talking  to  some  London  merchants. 

FIRST  MERCHANT:  The  King  has  given  us  a  charter  for  our  new  colony  in  America. 

SECOND  MERCHANT:  We  need  some  men  of  adventure. 

CAPT.  NEWPORT:  I  know  a  man,  John  Smith,  who  could  make  the  colony  a  suc- 
cess. He  has  had  as  wonderful  adventures  as  the  knights  of  old.  He  has 
just  returned  from  fighting  the  Turks. 

MERCHANT:  We  will  see  if  the  King  will  make  him  one  of  the  officers  in  the  com- 
pany. 

End  of  Act  I. 

ACT  II. 
INTRODUCTION: 

Smith  was  made  an  officer  but  was  not  allowed  to  take  part  in  governing  the 
Colony  but  resolved  to  help  by  visiting  the  Indians  and  gathering  food  for 
the  Colony.  The  next  act  will  be  Smith  in  the  Indian  village. 
(Powhatan  sitting  around  bench.  His  wives  sit  at  his  side.  Women  and 
children  stand  around.  In  front  stood  Powhatan's  fierce  warriors.)  Two 
big  stones  are  rolled  in  front  of  Powhatan.  Two  warriors  rush  to  Smith, 
drag  him  to  the  stones  and  force  his  head  upon  one  of  them).  (Pocahontas 
the  chief's  daughter  rushes  in.) 

POCAHONTAS:  Save  his  life!     Do  not  kill  himl 

POWHATAN:  Your  life  is  saved.      You  will  be  my  son  and  play  with  my  daughter. 

End  of  Act  II. 

ACT  III. 
INTRODUCTION: 

(After  awhile  Smith  returned  to  Jamestown.  He  found  much  trouble  among 
the  settlers.  He  took  command  and  with  the  help  of  Pocahontas  the  little 
Indian  maiden,  restored  order  and  saved  them  from  starvation.  Pocahontas 
was  ever  afterwards  called  "The  good  angel  of  the  Colony."  The  next  act 
will  be  Smith  talking  to  the  settlers. 

SMITH:  (Making  speech).  Every  one  of  us  must  work.  He  that  will  not  work 
shall  not  eat.  You  shall  not  only  gather  for  yourself,  but  for  those  that  are 
sick.  They  shall  not  starve.  Some  of  you  will  plant  grain,  others  will  build 
better  houses.  If  this  will  take  place  we  will  all  be  happier  and  more  con- 
tented in  Virginia. 

End  of  Smith  Act. 

Page  Seven 


SIR  WALTER   RALEIGH 

INTRODUCTION: 

Walter  Raleigh  was  the  Englishman  who  checked  the  power  of  the  Spanish 
in  America.  He  was  a  friend  of  Queen  Elizabeth,  and  first  gained  her  friend- 
ship, by  an  interesting  incident.  This  act  tells  the  story. 

ACT  I. 

Walter  Raleigh,  Blount,  and  Tracy,  walking  along  shore  see  boat  of  the 
Queen. 

BLOUNT:  See,  the  Queen's  barge  lies  at  the  stairs.  We  had  best  put  back  and 
tell  the  Earl  what  we  have  seen. 

RALEIGH:  Tell  the  Earl  what  we  have  seen!  Let  us  do  his  errand,  and  tell  him 
what  the  Queen  says  in  reply. 

BLOUNT:  Do,  I  pray  you,  my  dear  Walter,  let  us  take  the  boat  and  return. 

RALEIGH:  Not  till  I  see  the  Queen  come  forth. 

(Queen  comes,  Raleigh  removes  his  hat  and  stands  close  to  Queen  as  she 
approaches  with  her  court.  She  hesitates  to  pass  miry  spot.  Raleigh 
takes  coat  from  shoulder  and  lays  it  on  the  ground.  Queen  looks  at 
Raleigh  and  passes  on). 

* 

BLOUNT:  Come  along,  Sir  Coxcomb,  your  gay  mantle  will  need  the  brush  today, 
I  wot. 

RALEIGH:  This  cloak  shall  never  be  brushed  while  in  my  possession. 

BLOUNT:  That  will  not  be  long,  if  you  learn  not  a  little  more  economy. 

(Member  of  court  comes  after  Raleigh.  Queen  and  court  at  water's 
edge,  waiting). 

COURTIER:  I  was  sent  to  bring  a  gentleman  wrho  has  no  coat,  you,  sir,  I  think. 
Please  follow  me. 

BLOUNT:  He  is  in  attendance  on  me,  the  noble  Earl  of  Sussex,  Master  of  Horse. 

COURTIER:  I  have  nothing  to  say  to  that.     My  orders  are  from  her  Majesty. 
(Walter  and  man  walk  toward  Queen). 

BLOUNT:  Who  in  the  world  would  have  thought  it! 

(Raleigh  is  brought  to  Queen,  who  laughs,  and  talks  to  attendants). 

QUEEN:  You  have  this  day  spoiled  a  gay  mantle  in  our  service.  We  thank  you 
for  your  service,  though  the  manner  of  offering  was  something  bold. 

RALEIGH:  In  a  sovereign's  need,  it  is  each  man's  duty  to  be  bold. 

QUEEN:  (Speaking  to  attendant).  That  is  well  said,  my  lord.  (To  Raleigh) 
Well,,  young  man,  your  gallantry  shall  not  go  unrewarded.  Thou  shalt  have 
a  suit,  and  that  of  the  newest  cut. 

RALEIGH:  May  it  please  your  majesty,  but  if  it  became  me  to  choose— 

Page  Eight 


QUEEN:  Thou  wouldst  have  gold?     Fie,  young  man.     Yet,  thou  mayest  be  poor. 
It  shall  be  gold.     But  thou  shall  answer  to  me  for  the  use  of  it. 

RALEIGH:  I  do  not  wish  gold,  your  majesty. 

QUEEN:  How,  boy,  neither  gold  nor  garment!     What  then? 

RALEIGH:  Only  permission  to  wear  the  cloak  which  did  this  trifling  service. 

QUEEN:  Permission  to  wear  thine  own  cloak,  thou  silly  boy? 

RALEIGH:  It  is  no  longer  mine.     When  your  majesty's  foot  touched  it,  it  became 
a  fit  mantle  for  a  prince. 

QUEEN:  Heard  you  ever  the  like,  my  Lords?     WThat  is  thy  name  and  birth? 
RALEIGH:  Raleigh  is  my  name. 

QUEEN:  Raleigh?     W7e  have  heard  of  you.     You  may  wear  thy  muddy  cloak,  and 
here,  I  give  thee  this,  to  wear  at  the  collar. 

(Gives  him  a  jewel  of  gold,  Raleigh  kneels,  and  kisses  hand  of  Queen). 


Page   Nine 


WILLIAM    PENN 

INTRODUCTION: 

William  Penn  was  a  Quaker  and  founded  the  city  of  Brotherly  Love.  He 
was  the  son  of  a  great  naval  officer,  Admiral  Penn.  When  he  became  a 
Quaker  his  family  were  very  much  disgraced.  His  father  drove  him  from 
home. 

The  next  act  will  be  the  meeting  of  King  Charles  and  William  Penn  and 
others. 

ACT  I. 

King   Charles    and    Court   enter.     Enter   William   Penn   and   others.     All 
hats  removed  except  King's  and  Penn.     King  removes  his. 

PENN:  Friend  Charles,  why  dost  thou  remove  thy  hat? 

KING:  Because  wherever  I  am,  it  is  customary  for  but  one  to  remain  covered. 
(King  passes  on). 
Penn's  father  enters. 

PENN  SR.:  Sir,   I   will  not  permit  such  conduct  toward  the  King.     Leave  this 
place  at  once. 

End  of  Act  I. 

ACT  II. 
INTRODUCTION: 

After  Penn's  father  died,  the  King  gave  Penn  a  grant  of  land  in  payment  of  a 
debt  owed  to  his  father.     Penn  invited  all  persecuted  Christians  to  the  colony. 
He  gave  the  colonists  the  right  to  choose  their  own  rules  and  to  make  their 
own  laws.     He  also  gave  them  land  for  their  houses  and  farms. 
The  next  act  will  be  Penn  making  a  treaty  with  the  Indians. 
(Indians  in  row — Penn  and  people). 

PENN:  (Talks  to  Indians).     We  are  the  same  as  if  one  man's  body  were  divided 
into  two  parts.     We  are  all  one  flesh  and  one  blood. 

INDIAN  CHIEF:  We  will  live  in  love  with  William  Penn  and  his  children  as  long 
as  the  moon  and  the  sun  shall  endure. 
Pipe  of  peace  is  smoked. 

End  of  Play. 


Page   Ten 


SIR    FRANCIS    DRAKE 

INTRODUCTION: 

Sir  Francis  Drake  was  the  English  "Dragon"  who  sailed  the  Spanish  Main  and 
who  "singed  the  King  of  Spain's  beard."  He  was  a  most  daring  seaman. 
From  boyhood  he  had  been  a  sailor.  The  first  act  will  be  Drake  at  the  Court 
of  Queen  Elizabeth. 

ACT  I. 
QUEEN  ELIZABETH  AND  COURT 

FIRST  MAID  OF  HONOR:  Francis  Drake  has  returned  from  his  voyage  around  the 
world. 

QUEEN:  Tell  me  about  this  Francis  Drake. 

SECOND  MAID  OF  HONOR:  He  is  a  cousin  of  Captain  Hawkins  and  was  with  him 
when  he  had  command  of  a  ship  against  Mexico.  The  Spaniards  killed  many 
of  the  sailors  and  took  all  they  had. 

COURT:  He  hates  the  Spanish  because  he  thought  they  were  plotting  to  kill  your 
Majesty. 

QUEEN  :  Bring  me  to  Francis  Drake.     I  will  visit  him  on  his  ship. 
Enter  Queen  and  Court. 

QUEEN:  How  do  you  do,  Francis  Drake.  They  tell  me  you  have  made  a  voyage 
around  the  world. 

DRAKE:  Yes,  your  Majesty. 
QUEEN:  Tell  me  of  your  trip. 

DRAKE:  (Map  and  pointer  showing  the  trip).  We  left  England  and  sailed  straight 
for  the  Strait  of  Magellan.  I  was  determined  to  sail  the  Pacific.  We  entered 
this  harbor.  This  is  where  Magel'an  spent  a  winter  when  he  made  his  trip 
around  the  world.  One  of  my  men  will  tell  you  what  happened  here. 

MAN:  We  sailed  safely  through  the  Strait  but  a  terrible  storm  arose.  One  of  our 
ships  were  lost  and  one  sailed  for  England.  We  went  from  here,  south  and 
here  we  saw  the  first  great  treasure  ship.  We  captured  four  hundred  pounds 
of  gold. 

DRAKE:  Week  after  week  we  sailed  northward  unt'I  we  reached  Peru,  Pizarro's 
conquered  land. 

MAN:  Here  we  saw  another  great  treasure  ship.  We  pursued  her  and  captured 
more  than  twenty  tons  of  silver  bars,  thirteen  chests  of  silver  and  a  great 
store  of  precious  gems. 

DRAKE:  We  sailed  northward  and  back  again  southward  and  spent  a  time  in  this 
beautiful  bay.  I  named  the  country  New  Albion  and  took  possession  in 
your  Majesty's  name. 

Page  Eleven 


MAN:  The  natives  believed  Francis  Drake  a  god  and  begged  us  to  stay  with  them 
always. 

DRAKE:  We  sailed  on  until  we  saw  the  island  where  Magellan  had  been.  We 
sailed  on  through  the  Indian  Ocean,  around  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  and  back 
to  England. 

QUEEN:  Kneel  Francis  Drake  (Drake  kneels  and  is  knighted  by  Queen).  Arise, 
Sir  Francis  Drake. 

ACT  II. 

Drake  again  went  to  fight  the  Spaniards.  He  sailed  boldly  for  the  coast  of 
Spain.  He  captured  shipload  after  shipload  of  treasure.  He  made  the 
Spanish  King  very  angry  by  his  actions  and  the  King  resolved  to  crush  Eng- 
land. Drake  sailed  right  into  the  harbor  of  Cadiz.  He  burned  so  many 
Spanish  ships  that  it  took  Spain  another  year  to  get  the  fleet  ready. 

The  next  act  will  be  Drake  and  others  talking  to  the  Queen  after  the  Spanish 
Armada  had  been  destroyed. 

QUEEN:  My  brave  and  noble  Sir  Francis  Drake,  you  have  crushed  the  Spanish 
power  on  the  sea  for  all  time  I  think. 

NOBLE:  He  has  certainly  more  than  singed  the  King  of  Spain's  beard  this  time. 
DRAKE:  The  terrible  storm  that  came  up  helped  us  to  destroy  the  Spanish  Fleet. 

QUEEN:  From  now  on  our  power  on  the  sea  will  grow  greater  and  greater.  We 
can  now  go  to  America  without  danger  from  the  Spanish. 

End  of  Play. 


Page  Twelve 


PILGRIMS 

ACT  I. 
INTRODUCTION: 

The  Pilgrims  were  persecuted  for  their  religion  in  England.  They  went  first 
to  Holland.  After  a  time  they  decided  to  come  to  America  because  they 
wanted  their  children  to  grow  up  in  their  own  language  and  customs. 
They  set  sail  for  America  in  the  Mayflower.  They  had  a  long  and  dangerous 
journey,  but  on  November  20,  1620  they  found  themselves  looking  with  glad 
hearts  upon  the  sandy  but  heavily-wooded  shores  of  Cape  Cod.  They  signed  an 
agreement  as  to  the  government  of  the  Colony  and,  elected  John  Carver  their 
first  Governor. 

Captain  Standish  was  their  captain.  The  first  act  will  be  Captain  Miles 
Standish  and  his  sixteen  men  returning  from  an  exploring  party. 

ACT  I. 

CLASS:  The  people  on  Mayflower. 

PEOPLE:  Here  come  Miles  Standish  and  his  men!     Welcome  back  to  the  May- 
flower!    What  have  you  found,  Standish? 
STANDISH:  We  have  tramped  for  three  days  through  the  forests,  up  and  down 

hills  along  the  coast  but  found  no  suitable  place. 
FIRST  ONE  OF  MEN:  We  found  this.     (Corn).     We  decided  to  take.it  up  and 

later  we  will  pay  the  Indians  double. 
SECOND  MAN:  While  we  were  examining  an  Indian  snare,  Bradford   (points  to 

Bradford)  found  himself  swinging  by  one  leg  in  the  air — (much  laughter).     We 

have  found  a  new  way  to  catch  game. 
STANDISH:  The  second  trip  was  no  better  but  this  time  I  think  we  have  found  a 

good  place.     I  think  it  is  the  same  place  found  by  Capt.  John  Smith  and 

named  Plymouth  by  him. 

GOVERNOR  CARVER:  I  think  this  will  be  a  good  place  to  land.     Shall  we  land  here? 
PEOPLE  ABOARD  MAYFLOWER:  We  will  get  ready  to  land. 
PEOPLE:  It  is  God's  will. 

ACT  II. 
INTRODUCTION: 

The  first  winter  for  the  Pilgrims  was  a  hard  one.  Many  of  their  people  died. 
Among  them  Governor  Carver.  Miles  Standish  helped  them  in  every  way 
he  could.  He  kept  his  army  ready  for  any  danger.  The  next  act  will  be 
Samoset's  visit  to  the  Pilgrims. 

ACT  II. 

Miles  Standish  and  several  pilgrims  talking  over  military  affairs. 
STANDISH:  We  must  drill  every  day  in  order  to  be  ready  for  danger. 
BRADFORD:  Yes  we  must  keep  up  our  careful  watching. 

Page  Thirteen 


BREWSTER:  Look  at  that  fine  looking  Indian  coming  toward  us. 
(All  look  toward  Indian  coming). 

Samoset:  Welcome!     Welcome! 

Standish:  You  talk  English? 

Samoset:  Me  talk  little.     Me  good  Injun. 

Standish:  He  looks  like  a  good  Indian. 

SAMOSET:  Me  bring  more  Injuns.  (Enter). 

SQUANTO:  Welcome  Englishmen! 

BRADFORD:  You  talk  good  English. 

SQUANTO:  My  name  Squanto,  I  been  to  London.  I  show  you  many  things.  How 
plant  corn,  by  putting  dead  fish  in  hill.  How  to  hoe  corn  and  how  to  make 
into  meal.  I  show  you  to  catch  eel  and  how  make  Indian  moccasins,  canoes 
and  lots  of  things. 

BRADFORD:  We  will  be  glad  to  learn  all  this  Squanto.     You  are  a  good  friend  to  us. 

ACT  III. 

The  next  act  will  be  the  Pilgrims  planning  for  the  first  Thanksgiving. 
Men  and  women  talking. 

FIRST  WOMAN:  Our  first  summer  is  now  over. 

FIRST  MAN:  Yes,  and  we  have  a  big  harvest;  our  houses  are  repaired  and  the 

health  of  our  people  is  good. 
SECOND  WOMAN:  After  the  hardships  of  our  first  winter  and  the  blessings  from 

God  we  have  now,  we  should  have  a  Thanksgiving. 
ALL  TOGETHER:  Yes  we  should.     The  time  for  rejoicing  has  come. 
WOMEN:  We  will  have  a  great  feast. 
MEN:  We  will  have  games  and  military  movements. 
MAN:  We  will  invite  Massasoit  and  his  warriors  who  have  been  so  kind  to  us. 


Page  Fourteen 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON 

and 
OTHER  HEROES  OF  THE  REVOLUTION 

INTRODUCTION:  (Told  by  pupil). 

We  are  now  going  to  tell  you  the  story  of  George  Washington  and  other  heroes 
of  the  Revolutionary  W7ar. 

George  Washington  was  the  first  president  of  the  United  States  and  was 
called  "The  Father  of  His  Country."  As  a  boy  he  was  a  skilful  horseback 
rider  and  liked  to  go  into  the  forest  with  his  dog  and  hunt.  He  had  a  very 
good  mother.  His  father  called  her  "The  Rose  of  Epping  Forest" — a  place 
in  England. 

(Maps  are  used  and  pupil  points  out  the  places  on  maps  with  pointer). 

The  first  act  will  be  George  Washington  talking  to  his  mother. 

ACT  I. 

WASHINGTON:  Mother,  it  is  decided  that  I  should  go  to  sea,  is  it  not? 

MRS.  WASHINGTON:  Yes,  George,  we  had  consented  to  your  going  to  sea  but  I 
would  much  rather  have  you  go  back  to  school  and  have  a  good  education. 
According  to  these  old  Virginia  days  the  oldest  son  in  the  family,  when  the 
father  dies,  receives  a  plantation  and  your  brother,  Laurence,  has  received  a 
plantation  on  the  Potomac. 

WASHINGTON:  Well,  mother,  if  I  give  up  my  plans  of  going  to  sea  and  go  back  to 
school,  what  shall  I  do? 

MRS.  WASHINGTON:  You  will  receive  a  plantation  on  the  Rappahannock. 

WASHINGTON:  Well,  I  shall  give  up  all  my  plans  and  go  back  to  school  and  I  will 
try  to  excel  in  all  my  work. 

MRS.  WASHINGTON:  You  must  excel  in  both  work  and  play  and  remember  the 
Golden  Rule — "Do  unto  others  as  you  would  have  them  do  unto  you." 

(Several  boys  knock  and  enter — boys  bow  and  speak  to  Mrs.  Washington). 

BOYS:  How  do  you  do,  Mrs.  Washington. 

MRS.  WASHINGTON:  How  do  you  do,  boys. 

FIRST  BOY:  George,  we  want  you  to  come  out  and  play  with  us. 

SECOND  BOY:  Yes,  we  want  you  to  be  our  captain. 

THIRD  BOY:  We  will  take  a  walk  in  the  woods. 

FOURTH  BOY:  And  maybe  have  a  swim  in  the  old  swimming  pool. 

WASHINGTON:  May  I  go  out  with  the  boys,  mother? 

E WASHINGTON:  Yes,  George,  but  don't  forget  to  come  in  before    it    gets    too 
:e. 
End  of  Act  I. 
Page  Fifteen 


ACT  II. 
INTRODUCTION: 

When  George  Washington  was   sixteen,   he  was  made  a   surveyor  for  Lord 
Fairfax.     At  twenty  he  was  put  in  Braddock's  army  and  he  saved  the  broken 
pieces.     He  was  later  elected  to  the  house  of  Burgesses  in  Virginia. 
After  Washington's  brother,  Laurence,  died,  Washington  received  the  beau- 
tiful Mt.  Vernon  plantation  on  the  Potomac. 

One  day  while  Washington  was  on  his  way  to  Wllliamsburg,  he  met  a  beautiful 
woman  named  Mrs.  Martha  Custis,  who  later  became  his  wife. 
The  second  act  will  be  Washington,  Patrick  Henry  and  others  in  the  house  of 
Burgesses  in  Virginia. 
House  of  Burgesses  assembled.       (Class  in  House  of  Burgesses). 

SPEAKER  AT  DESK:  As  you  know  the  French  and  Indian  war  has  left  both  England 
and  her  colonies  in  debt  and  King  George,  thinking  only  of  England,  put  a  tax 
on  tea  and  a  Stamp  Act  on  the  Thirteen  Colonies.  Through  such  great  men 
as  Samuel  Adams  and  our  own  Patrick  Henry,  these  Acts  have  been  repealed. 
Now  we  are  confronted  with  the  trouble  in  Boston.  Shall  the  people  of 
Boston  be  slaves  or  shall  the  thirteen  colonies  fight  to  save  that  town? 
(Exclamations  from  House).  Fight!  Fight!  No!  No!  Fight! 

SPEAKER:  I  think  Patrick  Henry  has  a  resolution  to  offer. 

PATRICK  HENRY:  Mr.  Speaker  and  Gentlemen:  I  offer  resolutions  declaring  that 
Virginia  arm  hejself  for  the  coming  war. 

MEN  OF  HOUSE:  Why  should  we  fight  England?  It  is  the  greatest  country  in 
the  world  and  it  is  our  Mother  Country. 

SECOND  MAN  OF  HOUSE:  Why  not  send  petitions  to  the  King  asking  him  to  send 
his  two  armies  out  of  Boston  ? 

THIRD  MAN  OF  HOUSE:  We  cannot  fight  England.  Look  at  Drake.  He  checked 
the  Spanish  Armada  on  the  sea  while  Raleigh  checked  the  Spanish  on  the  land. 
If  we  fight  England  it  will  leave  us  weaker  than  we  are. 

FOURTH  MAN  OF  HOUSE:  If  we  fight  our  Mother  Country  now  it  wjll  spoil, the 
little  nation  we  are  trying  to  build  up.  We  are  not  ready  to  fight. 

PATRICK  HENRY:  Mr.. Speaker. 

SPEAKER:  Mr.  Henry. 

HENRY:  W'e  must  fight!  I  repeat  it,  Sir,  we  must  fight.  An  appeal  to  arms  and 
the  God  of  Hosts  is  all  that  is  left  to  us.  They  tell  us,  Sir,  that  we  are  weak; 
unable  to  cope  with  so  formidable  an  adversary.  But  when  shall  we  be 
stronger?  Will  it  be  next  year  or  next  week?  Sir,  we  are  not  weak  if  we 
make  the  proper  use  which  the  God  of  Nature  has  placed  in  our  power.  Our 
chains  are  forged!  Their  clanking  may  be  heard  on  the  plains  of  Boston! 
The  war  is  inevitable,  and  let  it  come!  Our  brothers  are  all  ready  on  the 
field.  Why  stand  we  here  idle!  Is  life  so  dear  or  peace  so  sweet  as  to  be 
purchased  at  the  price  of  chains,  and  slavery?  Forbid  it  Almighty  God!  I 
know  not  what  course  others  may  take;  but  as  for  me,  give  me  liberty,  or  give 
me  death!  (Much  applause). 

End  of  Act  II, 

Page  Sixteen 


ACT  III. 
INTRODUCTION: 

The  next  act  will  be  the  second  Continental  Congress  where  George  Washing- 
ton was  elected  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  American  army  and  where  Ben- 
jamin Franklin,  Thomas  Jefferson,  and  others  were  appointed  to  draw  up  the 
Declaration  of  Independence. 

MR.  HANCOCK,  SPEAKER  OF  THE  HOUSE:  You  all  know  that  in  the  first  Conti- 
nental Congress  we  pledged  to  stand  by  Boston.  If  General  Gage  means  to 
make  war  on  that  town,  let  him  do  it.  Is  there  anything  to  say  on  the  matter, 
gentlemen  ? 

FRANKLIN:  Mr.  Hancock. 

HANCOCK:  Mr.  Franklin. 

FRANKLIN:  I  say  that  the  thirteen  colonies  should  unite  in  order  to  fight  Great 
Britain. 

HENRY:  Mr.  Hancock. 

HANCOCK:  Mr.  Henry. 

HENRY:  I  agree  with  Mr.  Benjamin  Franklin.  I  wish  to  repeat  a  statement  I 
made  once  before.  The  distinctions  between  Virginians,  Pennsylvanians, 
New  Yorkers  and  New  Englanders  are  no  more.  I  am  not  a  Virginian  but  an 
American.  (Applause). 

RICHARD  HENRY  LEE:  Mr.  Hancock. 

HANCOCK:  Mr.  Lee. 

LEE:  I  make  a  motion  that  the  thirteen  colonies  unite  in  order  to  fight  and  that  we 
declare  ourselves  free  and  independent  of  Great  Britain. 

MEMBER  OF  HOUSE:  We  must  show  reasons  for  separating  from  our  Mother 
Country. 

ROBERT  LIVINGSTON:  We  must  show  great  men  like  Pitt  and  Burke  why  we  want 
to  separate  from  England. 

MEMBER  OF  CONGRESS:  I  make  a  motion  that  a  committee  of  men  be  appointed 
to  draw  up  a  Declaration  of  Independence. 

R.  H.  LEE:  I  second  that  motion. 

SPEAKER:  It  has  been  moved  and  seconded  that  a  committee  of  men  be  appointed 
to  draw  up  a  declaration  of  independence.     All  those  in  favor  say  Aye!     Con- 
trary minded  No! 
Aye!     Aye! 

SPEAKER:  I  appoint  Thomas  Jefferson  of  Virginia,  Benjamin  Franklin  of  Penn- 
sylvania, Robert  R.  Livingston  of  New  York,  Roger  Sherman  of  Connecticut 
and  John  Adams  of  Massachusetts  to  draw  up  a  declaration  of  independence. 
And  now  gentlemen,  the  American  Army  needs  a  head.  Who  shall  it  be? 

P.  HENRY:  I  think  Mr.  Adams  has  a  man  in  view. 

HANCOCK:  Mr.  Adams. 

0>:  I  have  but  one  man  in  mind,  a  gentleman  from  Virginia,  whose  skill  and 
[perience  as  an  officer,  whose  independent  fortune,  great  talents  and  excellent 
aiversal  character  would  command  the  approbation  of  all  America  and  unite 
ic  Colonies  better  than  any  other  person  in  the  Union.  If  you  speak  of 
>lid  information  and  sound  judgment,  Colonel  Washington  is  unquestionably 
ic  greatest  man  on  the  floor. 


Page  Seventeen 


LEE:  Mr.  President. 
HANCOCK:  Mr.  Lee. 
LEE:  I  nominate  Colonel  Washington  as  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  American 

Army. 

MEMBER  OF  CONGRESS:  I  second  that  motion. 

HANCOCK:  It  has  been  moved  and  seconded  that  Colonel  Washington  be  made 
Commander  in  Chief  of  the  American  Army.  All  those  in  favor  say  Aye. 

Aye!  Aye! 

HANCOCK:  Not  in  favor,  no.  (All  Aye).  Then  General  Washington  is  Com- 
mander in  Chief  of  the  American  Army. 

(Cheers). 

(Goes  to  ante  room  and  brings  in  Washington  who  left  during  Mr.  Adam's 
speech). 

Gentlemen,  this  is  General  Washington,  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  Amer- 
ican Army. 

More  Cheers). 

WASHINGTON:  I  beg  it  may  be  remembered  by  every  gentleman  in  this  room  that 
•I  this  day  declare  with  the  utmost  sincerity  I  do  not  think  myself  equal  to  the 
task  I  am  honored  with. 

End  of  Act  III. 

ACT  IV. 
INTRODUCTION: 

The  signing  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence  was  adopted  on  July  4th, 
1776  by  a  Congress  of  representatives  of  the  Colonies  assembled  in  the  State 
House  in  Philadelphia. 

The  next  act  will  be  the  signing  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence  as  written 
by  Thomas  Jefferson  of  Virginia. 

PRES.  HANCOCK:  After  several  days  of  debating  in  Congress  the  Declaration  of 
Independence  as  written  by  Thomas  Jefferson  of  Virginia  is  about  to  be 
accepted.  Is  there  anything  more  to  say  on  the  subject,  gentlemen?  Mr. 
Jefferson  have  you  ? 

JEFFERSON:  Mr.  Hancock  and  Gentlemen.  We  feel  that  good  reasons  must  be 
shown  to  the  world  and  to  those  brave  Englishmen,  Pitt  and  Burke  who  have 
been  our  defenders  for  breaking  away  from  our  Mother  Country.  We  have 
tried  to  show  these  causes  in  the  paper  that  I  have  written. 

HANCOCK:  Mr.  Adams. 

ADAMS:  Mr.  Hancock.  We  believe  that  all  men  are  created  equal  with  the  right 
to  life,  liberty  and  the  pursuit  of  happiness.  The  present  King  of  England 
has  shown  himself  a  tyrant  in  his  treatment  of  the  Colonies  by  his  repeated 
acts.  Thomas  Jefferson  has  written  these  facts  so  the  world  may  see  them. 

HANCOCK:  Mr.  Sherman. 

SHERMAN:  Mr.  Hancock.  He  has  taxed  us  unjustly,  without  giving  us  a  voice  in 
the  matter.  He  has  tried  to  force  us  to  pay  the  debts  of  England.  These  are 
.  more  reasons  we  wish  to  give  to  the  world  for  our  present  action. 

HANCOCK:  Mr.  Franklin. 

Page  Eighteen 


FRANKLIN:  We  have  sent  petit'ons  to  him  asking  him  to  stop  these  abuses.     He 

has  answered  with  insult.     A  prince  with  such  a  character  is  unfit  to  be  the 

ruler  of  a  free  people.     We  therefore,  declare  we  are  enemies  in  war,  in  peace 

friends. 

MR.  LEE:  Mr.  Hancock. 
HANCOCK:   Mr.  Lee. 
LEE:  I  make  a  motion  that  the  Declaration  of  Independence  as  written  by  Mr. 

Jefferson  be  accepted  and  the  news  be  given  to  the  world  that  we  are  a  free 

people. 

MEMBER  OF  HOUSE:  I  second  that  motion. 
HANCOCK:  It  has  been  moved  and  seconded  that  the  Declaration  of  Independence 

be  accepted  and  the  news  be  given  to  the  world  that  we  are  a  free  people.     All 

those  in  favor  say  Aye. 
Aye!  Aye! 
Contrary  minded,  No.     And  now  gentlemen,  I  sign  my  name  in  large  letters 

so  George  Third  may  read  it  without  spectacles  (writes  name).     We  must  all 

hang  together  in  this  matter. 

FRANKLIN:  Yes,  we  must  all  hang  together,  or  we  will  hang  separately. 
HANCOCK:  And  now  let  the  news  be  given  to  the  world  that  we  are  a  free  people. 
BOY:  Ring!  Grandpa,  Ring!  Oh  Ring  for  Liberty! 

End  of  Washington  Act. 


Page  Nineteen 


GEORGE    ROGERS    CLARK 

INTRODUCTION: 

George  Rogers  Clark  was  born  in  Virginia  in  1752!  Clark  liked  to  roam  the 
woods.  He  became  a  surveyor  and  an  Indian  fighter  at  the  age  of  twenty-one. 
He  was  a  great  leader  in  Kentucky  along  with  Boone  and  fought  the  Indians 
many  times.  The  British  officers  aroused  the  Indians.  They  paid  a  certain 
sum  for  each  scalp  of  an  American.  Clark  decided  to  strike  a  blow  at  the 
British  across  the  Ohio.  He  drilled  his  men  at  Corn  Island  at  the  falls  of  the 
Ohio,  the  beginning  of  Louisville.  In  June  he  shot  the  falls  and  after  a  long 
march  they  reached  the  old  French  town  of  Kaskaskia. 
The  first  Act  will  be  a  dance  at  Kaskaskia. 

ACT  I. 

(British  and  French  dancing.  Enter  Clark  and  stands  at  door.  Indian 
lying  on  floor  springs  to  feet  and  gives  terrible  war  whoop.  The  dancing 
stops.  Women  scream  and  men  rush  toward  Clark). 

CLARK:  Go  on  with  your  dance  but  remember  you  dance  under  Virginia  and  not 

under  Great  Britain. 

(British  General  goes  up  to  Clark). 

CLARK:  I  ask  you  to  surrender  in  the  name  of  Virginia. 
BRITISH  GENERAL:  I  surrender.     (Hands  his  sword  to  Clark). 

(French  talk  in  corner.     Father  Gibault  and  other  men  come  up  to  talk 

with  Clark). 
FATHER  GIBAULT:  We  beg  of  you,  Colonel  Clark,  to  spare  our  Jives  and  the  lives 

•of  our  families. 
CLARK:  Father,  your  lives  are  safe.     America  makes  war  on  no  church  and  will 

protect  you  all  from  insult.     The  King  of  France  has  made  a  treaty  with  the 

United  States  and  is  sending  ships  and  soldiers  to  help  us.     All  we  want  you 

to  do  is  put  up  the  American  Flag. 
FATHER  GIBAULT:  We  are  glad  to  hear  this  news.     It  makes  us  all  very  happy 

indeed.     I  will  go  to  Vincennes  and  tell  the  good  news. 

End  of  Clark  Act. 


Page   Twenty 


ANDREW  JACKSON 


INTRODUCTION: 

Andrew  Jackson  was  born  in  North  Carolina  in  1767.  His  parents  were 
Scotch  Irish. 

Schools  were  few  and  poor  and  Andy  learned  more  from  the  woods  than 
from  books.  As  a  boy  he  was  full  of  fun  and  mischief  and  fond  of  sports, 
but  he  was  very  hot  tempered. 

When  he  was  thirteen  he  learned  what  war  meant  for  it  was  the  time  of  the 
Revolution.  Colonel  Tarleton  killed  more  than  a  hundred  of  Jackson's 
neighbors  and  friends,  among  them  Andy's  own  brother.  He  never  forgave 
the  British. 

At  fourteen  he  was  taken  prisoner  by  the  British. 

The  first  act  will  be  Andrew  Jackson  and  a  British  officer.  Enter  soldiers 
dragging  Andrew.  Officer  at  desk.  Men  salute  officer. 

MEN:  We  have  found  this  young  fellow  acting  in  a  suspicious  manner  around  the 

camp,  Colonel. 

OFFICER:  Well,  well,  a  young  rebel  eh! 
ANDREW:  Yes,  a  rebel. 

OFFICER:  WTe'll  see  what  you  are  good  for,  boy.     Clean  these  boots. 
JACKSON:  I  will  not.     I  am  a  prisoner  of  war  and  expect  to  be  treated  as  such. 
OFFICER:  You    won't!  Won't    you!     (Draws   sword   and    strikes   boy   on   head). 

(Soldiers  drag  him  from  room). 

End  of  Act  I. 

ACT  II. 
INTRODUCTION: 

At  Camden  smallpox  killed  his  remaining  brother  and  left  Andrew  poor  and 
sickly  looking.  His  mother  also  lost  her  life  in  caring  for  Amer'can  prisoners. 
Jackson  was  left  an  orphan  of  the  Revolution.  He  studied  law  and  at  twenty 
was  admitted  to  practice  in  the  courts  of  the  State. 

Stories  from  Tennessee  made  him  long  to  see  that  beautiful  country,  so  in 
company  with  nearly  a  hundred  men,  women  and  children  he  crossed  the 
mountains  into  Tennessee. 

The  next  Act  will  be  Jackson  and  others  sitting  around  a  camp-fire,  telling 
stories  of  the  Revolution. 

JACKSON:  This  beautiful  country  of  Nolichucky  Jack's  is  worth  the  trouble  we 
have  had  in  coming.  Something  in  the  stillness  of  the  night  makes  me  think 
of  those  dreadful  Revolutionary  days.  What  a  time  -it  was  and  what  a  lot 
of  great  heroes  our  country  had. 

DNE  OF  MEN:  Yes,  those  were  stirring  days.  Well  do  I  remember  that  day  OH 
the  Boston  Common.  On  the  slopes  of  the  hill  where  the  State  House  now 
stands  there  was  a  fine  place  to  skate  and  slide.  We  fellows  learned  our 
spelling  those  days  for  if  we  didn't  we  couldn't  skate.  One  day  after  school 
we  hurried  to  the  hillside.  We  found  the  ice  broken  everywhere.  We  knew 

Page  Twenty-one 


the  British  Redcoats  had  done  the  damage.     They  thought  it  fun  to  make 
the  Yankees  angry.     We  went  to  General  Gage  and  to'd  him  what  his  soldiers 
had  done.     He  said  "You  are  plucky  boys.     If  my  soldiers  bother  you  again, 
let  me  know." 
ONE  OF  THE  GIRLS:  Have  you  ever  heard  the  story  of  Lydia  Darrah? 

No,  tell  us. 

Lydia  was  my  grandmother.  She  lived  in  Philadelphia  with  her  husband 
and  younger  children.  General  Howe's  adjutant  took  up  his  quarters  and 
secured  a  back  room  in  which  private  councils  could  be  held.  Just  before  one 
these  my  grandmother  was  told  to  retire  early  as  the  British  officers  would 
require  the  room  at  seven  o'clock  and  would  remain  late.  Lydia  suspected 
that  something  against  the  patriot  army  was  to  take  place.  She  sent  the 
family  to  bed  and  taking  off  her  shoes  crept  down  the  stairs  and  listened  at 
the  door.  She  learned  that  all  the  British  troops  were  to  march  out  and 
surprise  General  Washington  and  his  army.  She  knew  it  lay  in  her  power  to 
save  the  lives  of  thousands  of  people.  She  decided  to  find  a  way  of  telling 
the  news. 

Going  to  the  mill  for  flour,  she  left  her  sack  to  be  filled  and  hurried  on  to  the 
American  camp  where  she  told  one  of  the  officers  she  knew.  He  galloped  off 
to  Headquarters  and  informed  General  Washington. 

The  British  officers  never  knew  who  gave  Washington  the  information. 
JACKSON:  She  was  a  brave  woman.     There  were  many  brave  women  and  men. 
MAN:  And  that  fight  at  Bunker  Hill.     Of  course  we  lost  because  we  didn't  have 
enough  powder  but  how  our  brave  boys  did  fight,  as  long  as  the  powder  held 
out.     They  cut  down  whole  ranks  of  the  British  army  as  they  advanced  up 
the  shore. 

JACKSON:  Well  folks,  I  think  we  better* go  to  bed.  WTe  have  a  hard  journey  ahead 
of  us.  I  will  keep  watch. 

(Jackson  leans  up  against  tree,  smoking  corncob  pipe). 

(Suddenly  the  sound  of  an  owl  is  heard  in  the  distance). 

Jackson  speaks  to  the  man  with  him:  "A  little  too  natural  that  owl.  I 
fear  it  is  Indians.  We  must  arouse  the  people  and  go." 

Goes  and  arouses  people  who  get  ready  to  leave. 

End  of  Act  II. 

ACT  III. 
INTRODUCTION: 

Jackson  was  successful  as  a  lawyer;  was  made  district  attorney  and  was 
finally  elected  to  Congress.  Later  became  a  frontier  judge  and  a  man  of 
business.  He  won  fame  as  a  fighter  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  in  many  fights 
w  th  the  Indians  and  won  the  name  of  "Old  Hickory." 

The  next  act  will  be  calling  for  volunteers  to  fight  at  New  Orleans. 

JACKSON'S  SPEECH:  The  British  are  again  our  enemies.  They  are  capturing  our 
men  on  the  high  seas  and  forcing  them  to  fight  for  Great  Britain.  Shall  we 
stand  this?  No,  I  say  no.  Perry  and  other  great  sailors  are  fighting  hard 

Page  Twenty-two 


with  our  vessels.  The  British,  if  we  are  not  careful,  will  capture  New  Orleans. 
Who  volunteers  to  go  with  me?  On  to  New  Orleans  and  Victory!! 

End  of  Act  III. 

ACT  IV 
INTRODUCTION: 

After  the  Battle  of  New  Orleans  Jackson  was  a  great  hero.  In  1828  he  was 
elected  President  of  the  United  States.  He  had  bitter  quarrels  with  Clay, 
Calhoun  and  Webster  over  the  U.  S.  Banks.  In  the  Senate  was  another 
great  man,  Thomas  H.  Benton.  He  and  Jackson  had  once  fought  a  duel  but 
were  now  good  friends.  Benton  took  Jackson's  part  against  the  other  men. 
Refusal  of  South  Carolina  to  pay  the  tariff  caused  trouble  during  Jackson's 
time.  This  act  was  called  nullification. 

The  next  act  will  be  President  Jackson  talking  to  General  Scott  about 
South  Carolina. 

ACT  IV 

JACKSON:  South  Carolina  must  be  forced  to  obey  the  laws  of  the  land.  The 
tariff  will  be  collected  by  force  if  necessary.  To  nullify  an  Act  of  Congress 
would  be  most  dangerous  to  the  Union.  Take  soldiers  and  war  vessels, 
General  Scott,  to  Charleston  and  enforce  the  law  at  all  hazards. 

GENERAL  SCOTT:  I  will  do  my  best  to  enforce  the  laws  of  the  land,  President 
Jackson. 


Page  Twenty- three 


JOHN   C.    FREMONT 

INTRODUCTION: 

John  C.  Fremont  was  born  in  Savannah,  in  the  year  1813,  while  his  parents 
were  on  a  journey  through  the  South.  His  father  died  soon  after,  and  his 
mother  moved  to  Charleston,  South  Carolina.  He  was  well  educated,  and 
after  college  spent  some  years  in  travel. 

He  joined  a  company  of  engineers  to  explore  the  mountains  between  Tenn- 
essee and  South  Carolina  to  find  a  place  for  a  railway.  This  region  was  a 
rough,  beautiful,  and  wild  country,  and  it  gave  Fremont  a  taste  for  exploring 
which  never  left  him.  His  longing  for  wild  life  was  gratified  when  he  was 
made  assistant  to  a  famous  Frenchman  who  went  to  explore  the  region  be- 
tween the  Missouri  and  Canada. 

He  married  Jessie  Benton,  daughter  of  the  famous  Senator  Benton.  Benton 
was  interested  in  the  growth  of  the  West.  He  knew  that  Fremont  was  in- 
terested in  exploring,  and  used  his  influence  with  President  Van  Buren  to  have 
Fremont  explore  the  Rocky  Mountains. 

The  first  act  will  be  Fremont  talking  to  President  Van  Buren. 

ACT  I. 

Senator  Benton  talking  to  Van  Buren: 

BENTON:  The  West  is  a  great  country,  Mr.  President.  We  should  have  it  ex- 
plored and  investigated. 

VAN  BUREN:  I  agree  with  you,  Senator  Benton.  The  West  should  be  explored, 
If  we  had  a  good  man  to  send  on  this  expedition. 

BENTON:  I  know  a  man,  Mr.  President;  John  C.  Fremont.  He  is  an  experienced 
engineer,  and  loves  the  wild  life  of  adventure. 

VAN  BUREN:  Bring  Fremont  to  me. 

(Fremont  enters  and  is  introduced  by  Benton). 

VAN  BUREN:  You  are  an  explorer  of  note,  Mr.  Fremont?  Will  you  undertake  a 
journey  to  the  Rocky  Mountains  and  bring  back  a  report  of  that  country? 

FREMONT:  Yes,  I  am  very  much  interested  in  exploring  the  West,  and  with  your 
permission  and  the  permission  of  Congress,  will  try  to  find  out  all  that  we  can 
about  that  great  country. 

End  of  Act  I. 

ACT  II. 
INTRODUCTION: 

The  next  act  will  be  Fremont  telling  about  his  first  and  second  trip  to  the  West. 

SECRETARY  TO  PRESIDENT:  Fremont  and  his  famous  guide,  Kit  Carson,  have  re- 
turned from  their  second  exploring  trip  to  the  West  and  await  outside. 
PRESIDENT:  Show  them  in. 

(Enter  Fremont  and  party). 
Page   Twenty-four 


FREMONT:  I  have  just  returned  from  my  explorations,  and  would  like  to  tell  you 

of  the  trips.     On  my  first  trip  I  left  Kansas  City  and  followed  the  Kansas 

River  to  the  South  Pass.     On  my  second  trip  I  followed  the  same  route  to  the 

South  Pass,  where  I  took  four  men,  and  continued  on,  to  the  highest  peak  in 

the  Rocky  Mountains. 
ONE  OF  THE  MEN:  While  there  and  on  the  top,  we  unfurled  the  stars  and  stripes 

in  all  its  glory. 
FREMONT:  Then  I  decided  to  cross  the    mountains.     After   many   weary   months 

we  beheld  a  great  lake. 
ONE  OF  THE  MEN:  You  can  imagine  what  feelings  stirred  the  breasts  of  men  shut 

in  for  months  by  mountains,  at  seeing  what  appeared  to  us  to  be  an  ocean 

here  in  the  midst  of  a  continent. 
FREMONT:  As  we  strained  our  eyes  along  its  silent  shores,  I  could  hardly  repress 

the  almost  desire  to  continue  our  explorations. 
MAN:  After  making  preparations,  we  crossed  over  the  mountains  till  we  reached 

the  Columbia  River,  and  traveled  down  to  Vancouver.     Here  we  were  the 

guests  of  the  Governor  of  the  British  Hudson  Bay  Company. 
FREMONT:  On  November  tenth,  we  started  across  the  Sierra  Nevada  Mountains, 

and  then  on,  till  we  came  to  Sutler's  Fort. 
MAN:  Here  we  met  the  remarkable  Captain  Sutter.     Captain  Sutter  is  a  native  of 

Switzerland.     He  came  here  with  the  intention  of  building  a  colony.     The 

Spanish  Governor,  Alvarado,  gladly  gave  him  a  great  tract  of  land.     Captain 

Sutter  has  great  herds  of  cattle  and  many  acres  of  grain. 
FREMONT:  We  then  decided  to  cross  the  mountains  farther  to  the  south,  where  the 

San  Joaquin  River  makes  a  gap.     Here  we  beheld  a  great  desert. 
MAN:  An  Indian  told  us  that  there  was  neither  water  nor  grass — nothing.     Every 

animal  that  goes  on  this  desert  dies. 
FREMONT:  From  here  we  traveled  forward,  reaching  Salt  Lake;  having  made  a 

circuit  of  the  Great  Basin.     Here  we  are,  with  the  story  of  our  trip. 
PRESIDENT:  You  have  had  some  wonderful  experiences.     And  now,  Mr.  Fremont, 

I  would  like  you  to  go  on  a  third  expedition — to  explore  the  Pacific  Coast. 
FREMONT:  Very  well,  Mr.  President. 

End  of  Act  II. 

ACT  III. 
INTRODUCTION: 

Fremont  did  not  know  about  the  war  with  Mexico.  On  his  way  to  the  north, 
he  heard  that  Mexicans  were  planning  to  kill  every  American  in  California. 
Jose  Castro  was  a  Mexican  general.  The  Mexicans  had  one  hundred  and 
fifty  horses.  The  Americans  captured  these  horses.  That  was  the  first  vic- 
tory in  the  conquest  of  California. 

The  Bear  Flag  Rebellion. 

The  Americans  were  indeed  a  rough  looking  lot.  Mounted  on  horseback, 
wearing  leggings,  and  carrying  pistols  and  guns.  If  the  Americans  had  known 
that  war  was  going  on,  they  would  have  raised  the  Stars  and  Stripes.  But 
not  knowing  it  they  decided  to  make  a  flag  of  their  own. 

Page  Twenty- five 


The  next  act  will  be  the  forming  of  the  California  Republic. 

(Men  and  soldiers  around  room). 

MAN:  We  are  now  a  Republic,  and  must  have  a  Declaration  of  Independence,  i 
OTHER  MAN:  Yes,  and  we  must  have  a  flag.     Here  is  one.     Mr.  Todd  made  it.     A 
bear  is   drawn  on   it,   and   a   star.     Underneath   are  the  words,   "California 
Republic/' 

OTHER  MAN:  We  will  raise  this  flag  on  the  flagstaff  of  Sonoma.     Now  we  are  an 
independent  Republic. 

End  of  Act  III. 

ACT  IV 
INTRODUCTION: 

The  conquest  of  California  came  when  a  treaty  was  signed  at  the  Rancho  de 
Cahuenga.  (Ca-wen-ga).  The  next  act  will  be  the  Californians  and  Fremont 
at  the  Rancho  de  Cahuenga. 

FREMONT:  General  Flores,  General  Vallejo,  General  Pico,  and  Californians:     You 

know  why  you  have  been  called  to  this  meeting? 
GENERAL  FLORES:  Yes,   Captain  Fremont,  we  know  why  we  have  been  called. 

If  we  sign  a  treaty,  and  promise  not  to  take  up  arms  against  the  United  States 

we  will  be  pardoned  for  revolting. 

FREMONT:  Yes,  you  will  be  pardoned  under  those  conditions.     Do  you  promise? 
CALIFORNIANS:  \Ve  promise. 
FREMONT:  Very  well,  sign  here. 

(They  sign) 

FREMONT:  That  will  do,  you  are  pardoned.     Good  afternoon,  gentlemen. 
CALIFORNIANS:  Good  afternoon,  Captain  Fremont. 


Page  Twenty-six 


WEBSTER,   CLAY   and  CALHOUN 

INTRODUCTION: 

We  are  going  to  tell  you  the  story  of  Webster,  Clay  and  Calhoun. 

Daniel  Webster  was  born  in  New  Hampshire  in  1782.  He  was  a  very 
weakly  child,  no  one  thought  that  some  day  he  would  have  an  iron  body.  He 
spent  most  of  his  time  playing  in  the  woods  and  fields.  He  loved  the  animals 
that  he  found  there.  He  had  a  brother  named  Ezekiel.  One  day  as  they 
were  walking  through  the  field,  they  noticed  that  some  of  the  cabbage  had 
been  eaten  so  they  planned  to  catch  the  thief. 

The  first  act  will  be  the  story  of  the  woodchuck. 

ACT  I 

(Daniel  and  Ezekiel  find  woodchuck  in  trap. 

EZEKIEL:  Well  Daniel  I  see  that  we  have  caught  ahe  woodchuck. 

DANIEL:  What  shall  we  do  with  him? 

EZEKIEL:  I  think  that  we  should  kill  him. 

DANIEL:  I  think  we  should  take  him  into  the  woods  and  let  him  go. 

EZEKIEL:  Let  us  take  the  matter  to  father  and  let  him  settle  it.     (Go  to  father). 

DANIEL:  Father,  we  have  caught  the  woodchuck  and  we  do  not  know  what  to  do 
with  him.  We  have  brought  the  matter  to  you  to  settle.  Ezekiel  wants  to 
kill  him  and  I  want  to  let  him  go. 

FATHER:  Well  boys,  we  will  hold  a  court.  I  will  be  the  judge  and  you  will  be  the 
lawyers.  One  defend  the  case  and  the  other  prosecute.  Ezekiel  you  may 
speak  first,  you  are  the  prosecutor. 

EZEKIEL:  I  think  we  should  kill  the  woodchuck.  If  we  let  him  go,  he  will  be  just 
as  much  trouble  as  ever,  while  if  we  kill  him  he  can't  eat  any  more  cabbage  and 
we  can  sell  his  skin  for  at  least  ten  cents  and  small  as  that  sum  is  it  will  help 
pay  for  some  of  the  cabbage  that  he  has  eaten,  so  in  either  way  he  is  of  more 
value  dead  than  alive. 

FATHER:  Very  good,  Ezekiel.     Now  Daniel  we  will  hear  from  you. 

DANIEL'S  SPEECH:.  God  made  the  woodchuck.  He  made  him  to  live  in  the  bright 
sunlight  and  the  pure  air.  He  made  him  to  enjoy  the  free  air"  and  the  good 
woods.  The  woodchuck  is  not  a  fierce  animal  like  the  wolf  or  the  fox.  He 
lives  in  quiet  and  peace.  A  hole  in  the  side  of  a  hill  and  a  little  food  is  all  that  he 
wants.  He  has  harmed  nothing  but  a  few  plants  which  he  ate  to  keep  himself 
alive.  The  woodchuck  has  a  right  to  life,  to  food,  to  liberty,  for  God  gave 
them  to  him. 

Look  at  his  soft  pleading  eyes.  See  him  tremble  with  fear.  He  cannot 
speak  for  himself  and  this  is  the  only  way  he  can  plead  for  the  life  that  is  so 
sweet  to  him.  Shall  we  be  so  cruel  as  to  kill  him?  -Shall  we  be  so  selfish  as  to 
take  from  him  the  life  that  God  gave  him? 

FATHER:  Ezekiel,  Ezekiel,  let  that  woodchuck  go! 

Page    Twenty-seven 


ACT  II. 
INTRODUCTION:  Webster. 

One  day  in  spring,  Daniel  Webster's  father  took  Daniel  to  Exeter  Academy 
to  prepare  for  college.  All  the  boys  laughed  at  his  rustic  dress  and  manners. 

He  finally  entered  Dartmouth  College-  at  the  age  of  fifteen.  He  was  the 
best  student  there.  All  the  students  liked  him.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  he 
gave  a  Fourth  of  July  oration  in  his  college  town.  After  he  had  finished  at 
Dartmouth,  he  taught  school  in  order  to  help  his  parents  send  his  older  brother 
to  school.  Later,  he  entered  Christopher  Gore's  law  office.  He  studied  very 
hard  and  won  name  and  fame  as  a  lawyer. 

The  approach  of  the  war  of  1812  brought  him  into  politics. 
-  He  was  elected  to  Congress  and  took  his  seat  in  1813. 

INTRODUCTION:  HENRY  CLAY. 

Henry  Clay  was  born  in  Virginia  at  the  year  of  Burgoyne's  surrender,  1777. 
His  father  died  when  he  was  four  years  old.  Little  Henry  lived  near  the 
"Slashes"  the  name  given  to  a  low  flat  region  and  went  to  school  in  a  log 
cabin.  He  worked  on  a  farm  to  do  his  share  in  the  support  of  the  family. 
Sometimes  he  would  be  seen  barefooted  behind  the  plow  or  else  riding  a  horse 
to  mill.  From  this  he  was  called  the  "Mill  boy  of  the  Slashes."  At  fourteen 
he  was  a  clerk  in  a  store  but  he  was  made  for  better  use. 

He  was  put  in  the  office  of  a  famous  lawyer  who  was  a  clerk  in  one  of  Vir- 
ginia's  courts.  He  went  to  Richmond  and  studied  law  there.  He  formed  a 
debating  club  and  was  made  leader.  From  here  he  went  to  Lexington.  There 
his  rise  in  law  was  rapid,  his  fame  grew  and  he  was  known  as  a  lawyer  who 
seldom  lost  his  case. 

He  was  elected  to  the  House  of  Representatives  and  was  made  speaker. 
As  speaker  he  helped  to  bring  on  the  War  of  1812. 

INTRODUCTION:  JOHN  C.  CALHOUN. 

Calhoun  was  born  in  the  same  year  as  W7ebster,  1782.  He  was  born  in  South 
Carolina.  His  parents  were  Scotch-Irish.  He  learned  more  from  the  woods 
than  he  did  from  books  and  filled  his  memory  before  people  could  fill  it.  At 
the  age  of  eighteen  he  began  to  prepare  for  college  with  the  aid  of  his  brother- 
in-law,  a  Presbyterian  minister.  Two  years  later  he  entered  Yale  College, 
studied  hard  and  soon  graduated  with  much  honor.  He  studied  law  for  three 
years,  a  year  and  a  half  in  his  own  state  and  a  year  and  a  half  in  Connecticut. 
He  began  to  practice  law  in  South  Carolina.  He  did  not  have  much  success. 
Perhaps  the  law  was  too  dry  for  him  or  perhaps  because  he  was  soon  to  be 
elected  to  Congress. 

In  1811  he  was  married  and  elected  to  Congress. 

Henry  Clay  (Speaker)  immediately  put  Calhoun  on  an  important  committee. 

The  next  act  will  be  John  C.  Calhoun,  Daniel  Webster  and  Henry  Clay 
speaking  of  the  war  of  1812. 
Page    Twenty-eight 


CLAY  (speaker):  Members  of  Congress  and  fellow  citizens:  England  has  been  at 
war  with  France  for  a  number  of  years.  France  under  Napoleon  has  secured 
a  large  part  of  Europe.  England  has  tried  in  various  ways  to  injure  France 
by  proclaiming  that  no  ships  of  any  nation  shall  trade  with  France. 

Napoleon  retorted,  issuing  a  decree  that  no  ships  shall  trade  with  Europe 
and  these  laws  hurt  American  commerce.  Shall  we  stand  this  or  demand 
our  rights: 

Gentlemen,  I  say  we  must  fight.     On  to  Canada! 

MEMBER  OF  HOUSE:  I  think  we  should  be  vetry  careful  about  going  to  war  with 
Great  Britain.  She  has  a  thousand  war  vessels,  while  the  United  States  has 
only  ten  or  twelve  first-class  vessels. 

MEMBER  OF  CONGRESS:  England's  troops  are  numerous,  well  drilled  and  have 
had  much  experience.  Our  troops  are  few  and  poorly  disciplined  and  unused 
to  war.  I  think,  all  matters  in  dispute  could  be  arranged  without  fighting. 

MEMBER  OF  CONGRESS:  We  would  make  a  great  mistake  to  fight  England  and 
France  at  the  same  time. 

WEBSTER:  The  British  in  taking  our  men  have  made  it  a  practice  to  stop  American 
merchant  ships  and  seize  the  best  sailors.  They  claim  these  men  are  British 
citizens  and  could  be  rightfully  seized.  Whenever  they  see  a  fine  looking 
seaman,  they  say:  "You  are  an  Englishman,  we  will  take  you!"  We  must 
fight  with  the  navy.  If  the  war  must  be  continued  go  to  the  ocean.  There 
the  united  wishes  and  exertions  of  the  nation  will  go  with  you.  Even  our 
party  divisions  end  at  the  water's  edge. 

MR.  CALHOUN:  We  have  tried  in  various  ways  to  induce  England  and  France  to 
change  these  laws.  These  are  not  the  only  grievances  we  have.  England 
has  a  large  navy.  She  needs  many  sailors.  When  our  ships  were  in  her 
parts,  she  has  seized  our  men  and  forced  them  on  her  ships.  Is  this  right? 
Must  we  stand  such  treatment?  No!  So  we  call  forth  the  patriotism  and 
resources  of  our  country  to  help  us. 

End  of  Act  II. 

ACT  III 
INTRODUCTION: 

I     From  1819  to  1821,  Congress  was  debating  over  the  Missouri  Compromise. 
The  north  opposed  and  the  south  favored.     The  excitement  spread  to  the 
state  Legislature  and  to  the  people.     Many  meetings  were  held. 
Finally  Henry  Clay  succeeded  in  getting  Congress  to  pass  the  Missouri 
Compromise.     This  act  admitted  Missouri  as  a  slave  state. 
Hayne  had   spoken   against  a   protective  tariff  and  for  nullification   and 
Daniel  Webster  felt  called  upon  to  reply  so  he  made  a  great  speech.     His 
speech  was  considered  by  good  judges  the  best  ever  delivered  in  Congress. 
He  was  probably  the  greatest  orator  of  his  time. 

South  Carolina  refused  to  pay  the  tariff  in  1832  and  nullified  the  law  of 
Congress.  President  Jackson  hurried  the  army  and  navy  to  make  her  pay. 

John  Calhoun  was  for  nullification.  He  said  to  save  the  South  from  the 
North,  a  state  had  a  right  to  nullify  a  law  of  Congress. 

Page     Twenty-nine 


The  third  act  will  be  Henry  Clay,  Daniel  Webster  and  John  C.  Calhoun, 
speaking  on  the  right  of  nullification. 

SPEAKER  CLAY:  Gentlemen,  we  have  been  debating  on  the  right  of  a  state  to 
nullify.  We  must  think  of  this  matter  in  a  calm  manner.  It  is  one  of  the 
most  serious  times  of  our  country.  Our  Union  is  in  danger.  We  have  heard 
Mr.  Hayne  speak  on  Nullification;  also  Mr.  Calhoun. 

MEMBER  CONGRESS:  Congress  has  no  right  to  force  another  state  to  pay  a  tariff 
and  we  declare  a  state  has  a  right  to  nullify. 

MEMBER  OF  CONGRESS:  President  J'ackson  says  the  Federal  Union  must  and  shall 
be  preserved.  He  has  warned  the  people  of  South  Carolina  that  any  attempt 
at  resistance  will  be  put  down  with  a  high  hand.  We  of  the  North  feel  that 
this  must  be  done  in  order  to  save  the  Union. 

MEMBER  OF  CONGRESS:  Tariff  is  helpful  to  the  North  but  not  to  the  South. 
There  is  always  a  difference  between  the  North  and  South  and  we  of  the  South 
feel  that  nullification  is  right  to  save  us  from  the  North. 

CALHOUN:  Mr.  Clay. 

CLAY:  Mr.  Calhoun. 

CALHOUN:  The  Southern  people  using  slave  labor  will  raise  more  tobacco  and 
cotton  than  they  need  so  the  tariff  is  hurtful  to  them.  The  Northern  people 
using  free  labor  will  manufacture  all  kinds  of  things  and  the  tariff  is  helpful 
to  them.  The  Southern  people  are  for  agriculture.  The  Northern  people 
for  manufacturing.  The  Southern  are  for  slavery  and  the  Northern  are  for 
free  labor.  To  protect  the  South  from  the  North  the  state  has  the  rio-ht  to 
nullify  a  law  of  Congress.  The  state  has  the  right  because  the  state  is  above 
the  nation.  The  states  made  the  constitution. 

I  believe  that  nullification  is  a  means  of  saving  the  Union  from  secession. 

HAYNES:  That  is  the  way  I  feel,  Gentlemen.     Nullification  is  right. 

MR.  WEBSTER:  Mr.  Clay. 

MR.  CLAY:  Mr.  W7ebster. 

MR.  WEBSTER:  We  must  not  let  South  Carolina  refuse  to  obey  the  laws  of  the 
Union.  For  if  she  does  she  leaves  the  Union.  If  South  Carolina  leaves  the 
Union  other  states  will  also  leave.  Gentlemen  of  Congress:  Nullification  is 
another  name  for  secession.  When  my  eyes  shall  be  turned  to.  behold  for  the 
last  time  the  sun  in  heaven,  may  I  not  see  him  shining  on  the  broken  and 
dishonored  fragments  of  a  once  glorious  nation.  But  may  I  see  our  flag 
without  a  single  stripe  erased  or  polluted,  not  a  single  star  obscured  but  every- 
where spread  all  over  in  characters  of  living  light,  that  sentiment  dear  to  every 
American  heart,  Liberty  and  Union,  now  and  forever,  one  and  inseparable. 

MR.  CLAY:  Gentlemen:  I  offer  a  compromise  hoping  it  will  please  both  the  North 
and  South.  I  propose  that  the  tariff  be  gradually  reduced  till  1842  when  all 
duties  shall  be  20%  on  the  value  of  the  articles  imported.  I  think,  gentlemen 
this  will  be  a  solution  of  the  question.  W7e  will  debate  on  it  at  the  next 
meeting. 

End  of  Act  III. 

Page    Thirty 


ACT  IV 
INTRODUCTION: 

It  was  in  1848  that  our  country  declared  war  on  Mexico  and  won  it  with  a 
great  victory  for  the  American  Army.  The  treaty  of  peace  with  Mexico 
gave  the  United  States  all  the  territory  then  known  as  Alta  (Upper  California) 
and  New  Mexico. 

The  North  and  the  South  disputed  over  this  territory.  The  South  said: 
"It  must  be  open  to  slavery."  The  North  said:  "It  must  be  free."  The 
quarrel  grew  so  bitter  that  many  men  thought  the  Union  would  be  destroyed. 

Kentucky  legislature  sent  Clay  back  to  the  United  States  Senate  by  a 
unanimous  call,  Democrats  as  well  as  Whigs  joining  in  the  vote.  It  was  a 
proud  moment  for  the  old  man. 

Webster  then  went  back  to  the  United  States  Senate  where  he  joined  Clay 
in  supporting  the  great  Compromise  of  1850.  Calhoun  opposed  the  Com- 
promise. 

The  last  act  will  be  Clay,  Webster  and  others  talking  on  the.  Compromise 
of  1850. 

SPEAKER  OF  THE  HOUSE:  Gentlemen,  for  many  days  we  have  been  debating  on 
the  serious  question  of  the  danger  of  the  South  leaving  the  Union.  Mr.  Clay 
will  read  his  Compromise. 

(Mr.  Clay  enters  on  arm  of  friend.     He  is  an  old  man  now). 

MR.  CLAY:  Mr.  President  and  Gentlemen:  I  believe  that  the  Union  is  in  danger 
of  destruction  but  if  we  can  again  compromise,  I  think  it  can  be  saved.  This 
is  what  I  propose:  First  that  California  shall  be  admitted  as  a  free  state. 
Second:  That  the  slave  trade  be  stopped  in  the  District  of  Columbia.  This 
should  please  the  North.  To  please  the  South,  First:  I  propose  that  all 
Federal  Officers  be  given  authority  to  hunt  for  slaves  that  have  escaped  to  the 
North  and  without  trial  or  jury  be  returned  to  their  masters.  Second:  I 
propose  that  the  new  territories  coming  in  as  states  decide  for  themselves 
whether  the)'  shall  be  free  or  slave. 

MEMBER  OF  CONGRESS:  The  fugitive  slave  law  reads  thus:  'Any  slave  escaping 
to  the  North  might  be  seized  wherever  found  and  brought  before  a  United 
States  judge.  He  cannot  give  testimony,  or  prove  that  he  is  not  a  slave. 
All  citizens  are  commanded  to  aid  in  the  capture  of  the  fugitive.'  Are  we 
willing  to  accept  Mr.  Clay's  clause  in  this  Compromise?  As  for  myself, 
gentlemen,  I  think  not. 

MEMBER  OF  CONGRESS:  No,  gentlemen,  I  do  not  think  that  we  should  accept 
this.  Many  of  these  people  have  escaped  into  the  North  and  are  living 
peaceably  as  free  men.  If  this  law  goes  into  effect  we  will  have  men  who  for 
money  will  go  into  the  North  and  return  these  people  to  slavery.  There  is  a 
higher  law  even  than  an  act  of  Congress.  It  is  the  Golden  Rule:  'Do  unto 
others  as  you  would  have  them  do  unto  you.' 

MEMBER  OF  CONGRESS:  I  say,  Sir,  we  should  have  our  slaves  returned.  We  need 
our  slaves  badly. 

(Mr.  Calhoun 's  speech  is  read). 

Page    Thirty-one 


MR.  CLAY:  I  believe  from  the  bottom  of  my  soul  that  this  measure  is  the  re-union 
of  the  Union. 

MEMBER  OF  CONGRESS:  Mr.  Clay's  country  is  Virginia.  He  does  not  understand 
that  we  of  the  South  need  slaves.  If  we  of  the  South  can't  keep  our  slaves, 
we  will  leave  the  Union. 

MR.  CLAY:  The  honorable  Senator  speaks  of  Virginia  being  my  country.  This 
Union  is  my  country,  but  even  if  my  own  state  should  raise  the  standard  of 
disunion  I  would  go  against  her.  I  would  go  against  Kentucky  much  as  I 
love  her. 

Mr.  Calhoun's  speech,  Mr.  President. 

Mr.  Calhoun  is  ill,  I  have  a  speech  he  wishes  to  be  read. 

MR.  PRESIDENT:  Honorable  Senator,  read  Mr.  Calhoun's  speech. 

(Mr.  Calhoun's  speech). 

Gentlemen  of  Congress:  The  Union  is  in  danger  today  on  account  of  the 
Abolitionists.  They  have  stirred  up  strife.  All  agitation  against  slavery 
should  be  stopped.  The  relation  existing  between  the  two  races  has  existed 
for  two  centuries.  We  cannot  permit  it  to  be  destroyed.  'Slavery  is  a  good, 
a  positive  good.'  There  should  be  an  equal  division  of  territory  between  the 
North  and  South.  If  you  of  the  North  will  not  do  this,  then  let  our  Southern 
states  separate  and  depart  in  peace. 

Having  faithfully  done  my  duty  to  the  best  of  my  ability,  both  to  the  Union 
and  my  section,  I  shall  have  the  consolation  that  I  am  free  from  all  responsi- 
bility. 

MR.  WEBSTER:  Mr.  President. 

MR.  PRESIDENT:  Mr.  Webster. 

MR.  WEBSTER:  I  wish  to  speak  today  not  as  a  Massachusetts  man  nor  as  a  North- 
ern man,  but  as  an  American  and  a  member  of  the  United  States  Senate. 

I  speak  today  for  the  preservation  of  the  Union.  Hear  me  for  my  cause. 
I  speak  from  an  anxious  heart  for  the  return  of  the  peace  and  quiet  of  this 
Union.  I  should  rather  have  heard  that  this  Union  should  never  be  dissolved 
than  that  word  secession.  Secession,  peaceable  secession.  Sir,  your  eyes  and 
mine  will  never  see  that  miracle.  Sir,  I  see  as  plainly  as  I  see  that  sun  in 
Heaven  that  secession  means  a  war.  It  means  a  war,  a  war  I  cannot  describe. 

End  of  Play. 


Page   Thirty -two 


THE   STORY   OF   ABRAHAM    LINCOLN 

ACT  I. 
NTRODUCTION: 

Abraham  Lincoln  was  born  in  Hardin  County,  Kentucky,  February  12,  1809. 
His  parents  were  very  poor.  When  he  was  seven  years  old  his  parents  moved 
to  Indiana.  (He  educated  himself.  Whenever  he  came  in  from  work  he 
read  a  book.  He  read  the  Bible,  ^Esops  Fables,  Robinson  Crusoe  and  other 
books).  He  loved  his  mother  very  dearly.  She  died  when  he  was  very  young. 
Her  last  words  to  him  were:  "Try  to  live  as  I  have  taught  you  and  to  love  your 
Heavenly  Father." 

Many  years  after  he  said,"  All  I  am  or  hope  to  be,  I  owe  to  my  angel  mother." 
The  first  act  will  be  Abraham  Lincoln  and  John  Hanks  coming  in  from  work. 

HANKS:  Gee,  I  am  tired,  aren't  you? 

LINCOLN:  Yes.     (Goes  to  cupboard,  takes  bread  to  eat,  picks  up  book  and  begins 

to"  read). 

HANKS:  (Gets  bread  and  lies  down).     What  you  reading? 
LINCOLN:  O,  a  story  of  George  Washington. 
HANKS:  Tell  us  about  him. 
LINCOLN:  After  a  while. 
HANKS:  All  you  do  is  to  read  and  cipher  anyway.     I  am  going  to  take  a  nap. 

End  of  Act  I. 

ACT  II. 
INTRODUCTION: 

Abraham  Lincoln  went  on  a  flat  boat  down  the  Mississippi.  The  boat  was 
laden  with  supplies  to  sell  at  New  Orleans.  While  in  New  Orleans  Lincoln 
visited  a  slave  auction.  After  having  seen  this  auction.  Lincoln  was  very 
much  more  opposed  to  slavery. 

The  next  act  will  be  Abraham  Lincoln  at  the  Slave  auction.  Auctioneer  and 
slaves.  Sells  several  slaves.  Class  bid  and  carry  on  auction,  etc. 

At  end  of  auction,  auctioneer  says: 

AUCTIONEER:  Rest  of  these  slaves  to  be  sold  tomorrow.     Gentlemen  be  sure  to 

come. 

Lincoln  and  Hanks  talk. 

HANKS:  WTell,  well.     Abe  Lincoln  what  do  you  think  of  that? 
LINCOLN:  I  think  it  is  terrible.     //  /  ever  get  a  chance  to  hit  that  thing,  I'll  hit  it  and 

r II  hit  it  hard. 
HANKS:  I  don't  blame  you. 

End  of  Act  II. 

Page    Thirty- three 


INTRODUCTION: 

After  Lincoln  came  back  from  his  voyage  down  the  Mississippi,  and  the 
Blackhawk  War,  he  ran  for  the  State  Legislature,  but  was  defeated.  A  little 
later  he  ran  again  and  this  time  he  won.  He  said  to  a  friend:  "Did  you  vote 
for  me?"  His  friend  said,  "I  did."  "Then,"  said  Lincoln,  "you  must  loan 
me  two  hundred  dollars;"  for  Lincoln  needed  a  new  suit  of  clothes  and  stage 
coach  fare  to  the  Capital.  Later  he  was  sent  to  Congress  and  sometime  later 
he  was  spoken  of  for  President. 

The  next  act  will  be  Lincoln  waiting  in  a  newspaper  office  in  Springfield  for 
news  of  his  nomination. 

ACT  III. 

(Newspaper  office.  Lincoln  and  several  men  talking  and  walking  around 
room.  Among  them  Hanks.) 

LINCOLN:  I  wonder  who  got  the  nomination. 

EXCLAMATIONS:  You  got  it  Abe!     Sure  you  got  it!     Hope  Seward  didn't  get  it! 
Oh!  there  is  no  chance,  Abe  .has  it  I  know!     Sure,  Sure 
(Enter  man  in  great  excitement). 

Gentlemen,  there  has  been  a  nomination.  (People  in  office  crowd  around 
him  and  talk).  Mr.  Seward  (disappointment  on  faces  of  Lincoln  and  men) 
Mr.  Seward  is  the  second  name  on  the  list.  (Jumps  upon  chair  and  exclaims). 
Three  cheers  for  Abraham  Lincoln,  the  next  president  of  the  United  States. 

End  of  Act  III. 

ACT  IV. 
INTRODUCTION: 

Abraham  Lincoln  was  elected  President.  Soon  after  war  broke  out  between 
the  North  and  the  South.  Lincoln  declared  that  the  war  was  not  to  free  the 
slaves  but  to  save  the  Union.  Lincoln  soon  saw  that  it  was  time  to  free  the 
slaves,  so  he  signed  the  Proclamation  of  Emancipation. 

This  act  linked  the  name  of  Lincoln  with  one  of  the  greatest  acts  in  history. 

The  last  act  will  be  President  Lincoln  signing  the  Proclamation  of  Emanci- 
pation. 

Lincoln  sits  at  desk.  Two  men  are  showing  him  papers.  One  enters  and  says : 
"Mr  Lincoln,  here  is  Air.  Seward  with  the  Proclamation.  Enter  Seward  and 
several  others. 

MR.  SEWARD:  I  have  brought  you  the  Proclamation  to  sign,  Mr.  President. 
Lincoln  takes  paper,  reads  it  over,  takes  up  pen,  tries  to  write,  drops  pen 
several  times. 

MR.  SEWARD:  What  is  the  matter,  Mr.  Lincoln. 

MR.  LINCOLN:  I  have  been  shaking  hands  since  nine  o'clock  this  morning  and  my 
right  hand  is  almost  paralyzed.  If  my  name  ever  goes  down  into  history  it 
will  be  for  this  act  and  my  whole  soul  is  in  it.  If  my  hand  trembles  as  I  sign 
this  document,  the  ones  who  examine  it  will  say — he  hesitated. 

Rage    Thirty-four 


GRANT   AND    LEE 

INTRODUCTION: 

Ulysses  S.  Grant  was  born  in  Ohio,  April  27,  1822.  His  father  was  a  tanner. 
He  was  brought  up  for  farm  work.  Later  went  to  West  Point  from  where  he 
graduated  in  1843.  He  distinguished  himself  in  the  Mexican  War.  He  re- 
signed from  the  army  in  1854,  tried  various  kinds  of  business  in  St.  Louis  and 
Galena,  Illinois.  On  the  day  after  the  fall  of  Sumter,  Grant  made  up  his 
mind  to  return  to  the  army.  In  August  1861  he  became  a  brigadier  general. 
From  1861  to  1863  his  name  was  connected  with  most  of  the  successful  opera- 
tions in  the  West,  till  Lincoln  said  of  him,  "  I  can 't  spare  this  man.  He  fights." 
His  greatest  characteristic  was  his  indomitable  grit. 

The  first  act  will  be  Grant  sending  his  answer  to  General  Buckner  at  the 
capture  of  Fort  Donelson. 

ACT  I. 

(Grant  at  desk,  writing  and  looking  over  maps.     Men  at  wall  looking  over 
maps.     Officer  speaks  to  General  Grant.) 

OFFICER:  Two  soldiers  from  General  Buckner  await  outside,  General  Grant. 
GRANT:  Show  them  in. 

(Enter  soldiers  with  Union  man.     Soldier  salutes). 
SOLDIER:  General  Grant,  General  Buckner  wishes  to  know  on  what  terms  you  will 

consider  the  surrender  of  Fort  Donelson. 
GRANT:  No  terms    except    an    unconditional    and    immediate    surrender    can    be 

accepted.     I  propose  to  move  immediately  upon  your  works. 
SOLDIER:  Your  answer  will  be  given  to  General  Buckner.     Good  bye,  General 

Grant.     (Salute). 
GRANT:  (Salute).     Goodbye. 


Page    Thirty-five 


ROBERT    E.    LEE 

INTRODUCTION: 

Robert  E.  Lee  was  born  in  1807,  of  an  old  aristocratic  Virginia  family;  he 
graduated  from  West  Point  (1829)  and  spent  thirty-two  years  in  the  regular 
army;  he  distinguished  himself  in  the  Mexican  War. 

Just  before  the  Civil  War  broke  out,  he  wrote  to  a  friend:  "If  the  Union  is 
dissolved  and  the  Government  disrupted,  I  shall  return  to  my  native  state  and 
share  the  miseries  of  my  people,  and,  save  in  defense,  will  draw  my  sword  no 
more." 

A  few  days  after  the  fall  of  Fort  Sumter,  he  was  offered  the  command  of  the 
United  States  Army  and  declined  it.  He  resigned  and  after  Virginia  seceded, 
accepted  a  Confederate  commission.  He  took  command  of  the  Army  of 
Northern  Virginia  June  I,  1862.  He  had  great  power  over  men  and  his 
soldiers  had  perfect  confidence  in  "Uncle  Robert." 

ACT  II. 
INTRODUCTION: 

The  surrender  of  Appomattox  Court  House.  Salute.  Lee  and  his  staff  in 
room.  Lee  in  full  dress  uniform.  Grant  enters  with  his  staff.  Grant  shakes 
hands  with  Lee.  Grant  dressed  in  rough  clothes. 

GRANT:  How  do  you  do,  General  Lee.    We  have  not  met  since  the  Mexican  War. 

Strange  is  it  not? 
LEE:  (Salute).     How  do  you  do,  General  Grant.     No  we  have  missed  meeting. 

I  have  sent  for  you  today,  General  Grant,  to  ask  you  the  terms  of  a  surrender.  ! 
GRANT:  The  terms  are  the  same  as  those  sent  you  a  few  days  ago,  General  Lee. 

All  of  Northern  Virginia  must  lay  down  their  arms  and  take  up  the  Stars  and 

Stripes. 

LEE:  Write  them  and  I  will  sign. 

UNION   SOLDIER  SPEAKS  TO  OFFICER  WITH  LEE:  Wrhy  is  it  that  you   and  your 
General  are  in  full  dress  uniform? 

OFFICER:  When  Sherman  came  through  we  saved  our  best  suit  and  this  is  all  we 
have. 

(Grant  writes  terms  and  reads  to  General  Lee.) 

The  Terms:  All  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia  must  lay  down  their  arms  and 
take  up  the  Stars  and  Stripes.  The  men  are  to  be  allowed  to  return  to  their 
homes  and  are  not  to  be  disturbed  by  the  United  States  authority  so  long  as 
they  observe  their  paroles  and  the  laws  in  force  where  they  reside.  They  are 
to  be  allowed  to  take  their  horses  home  to  do  the  spring  plowing. 

LEE:  You  have  been  generous,  General  Grant.     (Offers  sword  to  Grant.     Grant 

takes  it  and  returns  it  with  this  remark): 
GRANT:  A  brave  man  should  not  be  separated  from  his  sword,     I  tender  it  back 

to  you. 

Page    Thirty- sir 


(Grant  and  Lee  shake  hands.     Lee  goes  to  his  men  and  speaks  to  them). 
LEE  :  Men  we  have  fought  through  this  war  together.     I  have  done. my  b.es.t  for  you. 

GRANT:  (Speaks  to  his  men).  This  day  is  not  to  be  spent  as  a  day  of  victory  but 
in  peace  and  quiet.  These  men  are  now  citizens  of  the  same  country  and  are 
to  be  treated  as  such. 


Thlrtyi*ev*n 


SOME  WOMEN   OF   HISTORY 

INTRODUCTION: 

We  are  now  going  to  tell  you  the  story  of  some  of  the  great  women  of  our 
nation,  Elizabeth  Cady  Stanton,  Susan  B.  Anthony,  Julia  Ward  Howe,  and 
others. 

The  first  act  will  be  Elizabeth  Cady  Stanton,  the  first  champion  Oif  Woman 
Suffrage,  and  the  first  Woman's  Rights  Convention. 

ACT  I. 

MRS.  STANTON  TALKING:  Ladies  we  are  met  here  today  to  discuss  women,  our 
social,  civil  and  religious  conditions,  and  the  rights  of  women.  (Applause). 
For  generations  we  have  been  held  down  by  man  (more  applause).  I  want  to 
read  to  you  a  set  of  resolutions.  We  will  call  them  a  Declaration  of  Senti- 
ments. They  will  be  met  of  course  with  ridicule  but  that  does  not  matter. 
Right  is  right  and  in  time  will  prevail.  Here  are  some  of  the  resolutions: 

First:  We  should  have  the  same  right  as  any  other  citizen  of  the  United 
States. 

The  right  to  own  and  manage  our  own  property. 

The  right  to  cast  a  vote  at  an  election. 

There  are  others  that  we  will  talk  of. 
You  see  ladies  we  should  have  an  equal  vote  with  men.    (Much  applause). 

ACT  II. 
INTRODUCTION: 

Susan  B.  Anthony  met  Mrs.  Stanton  soon  after  this  convention  and  though 

she  had  not  been  in  sympathy  with  the  "Declaration  of  Sentiments"  she 

changed  and  was  ever  after  a  friend  of  women's  suffrage.     They  started  a 

weekly  paper  which  they  called  "The  Revolution." 

The  next  act  will  be  Mrs.  Stanton  and  Miss  Anthony  talking  about  their 

paper. 
Miss  STANTON:  We  must  let  the  people  of  the  United  States  see  that  the  only  True 

Republic  is  this  "Men  their  rights  and  nothing  more — Women  their  rights 

and  nothing  less." 
Miss  ANTHONY:  Yes,  this  is  the  only  way  for  us  to  get  our  rights. 

We  will  organize  a  National  Women's  Suffrage  Association. 
Miss  STANTON:  We  will  go  over  the  country  to  any  state  we  are  needed  and  talk 

to  the  people. 
Miss  ANTHONY:  Yes,  I  will  address  Congress  and  I  will  cast  a  vote  for  the  President. 

It  is  my  right  under  the  Fourteenth  Amendment  to  the  Constitution. 

End  of  Act  II. 


Page  Thirty-eight 


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